Allergy Testing

Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans, with inhaled allergens as the most common type. If you’re sensitive to pollen, pet dander, certain foods, or contact allergens like latex or nickel, you may benefit from allergy testing. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia, MD, provides skilled allergy testing to patients of all ages at her self-named practice in Valencia, California. If you’re looking to identify and treat a particular allergy, call the practice today or schedule an appointment online. 

What is allergy testing? 

Allergy tests measure your body’s reaction to particular allergens or allergy triggers. During the test, if your immune system overreacts, you may have an allergy. 

Allergy tests can identify if you’re allergic to environmental allergens like mold, pollen, or pet dander. You may also have food allergies or be allergic to contact allergens like latex, metal, or poison ivy. 

If you have asthma, allergy tests can identify particular triggers. 

When do I need allergy testing?

You may benefit from allergy testing if you experience sensitivity to airborne allergens. You may develop allergic rhinitis (or hay fever) and have symptoms, such as:  

• Headaches
• Blocked sinuses 
• Sneezing or runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Sore throat

If you have a food allergy, you may experience symptoms after ingestion, such as: 

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling in your face, lips, or tongue
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Pale skin or weak pulse

If you’re allergic to contact allergens, you may experience: 

• Burning sensations on your skin 
• Hives 
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Rash
• Itching 

An allergy test can also determine sensitivity to penicillin or bee venom.

What are the types of allergy tests?

Your provider recommends a specific allergy test depending on your suspected allergies.

Skin tests

Your provider uses a small needle to prick the skin on your forearm or back with 10-50 various allergens. They may also scratch your skin and place droplets of the allergens into the area. 

If you have an allergy, you may quickly exhibit redness, rash, or raised round spots. 

If the scratch test is inconclusive, you may need an intradermal skin test, in which your provider injects tiny amounts of the allergen into the outer layer of your skin. 

During a patch skin test, your provider applies a patch that has the allergen on it. You leave this on for 48-96 hours before returning to the office to determine the results. 

Blood (IgE) test

Your provider conducts a blood test and then sends the sample to a lab. At the lab, they test for the presence of antibodies that combat particular allergens. 

Depending on your allergy, your provider may recommend avoiding the particular allergen, medication, allergy shots, or carrying an epinephrine injection (EpiPen®) or medical alert card. 

To book an allergy test appointment, call Maricar Cutillar-Garcia, MD, today or reach out online.